Acadia National Park Hotels

Acadia National Park is a large 47,000 acre U.S. national park located on the sea coast of mid-Maine. Acadia National Park is located near the picturesque coastal village of Bar Harbor, Maine, a favorite vacation stop of New Englanders and the like for decades. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are located on Mount Desert Island, which is a large unspoiled coastal island expanse. Acadia National Park is superb travel destination and makes for an ideal Maine vacation.

Bar Harbor is an ideal home base from which to explore the diversity of terrain and sites, and activities offered by Acadia National Park. Many Bar Harbor hotels are often quaint and sometimes on the rustic side. Inside the Park, visitors can explore natural unspoiled habitats ranging from rugged granite topped mountains, plush woodlands, crystal clear ponds, and coastal vistas, and leave with a trove of vacation memories that will have your wanting to return.

Biking. Acadia's 45 miles of carriage roads and portions of the automobile roadways can be used for biking. The carriage roads are processed gravel and wind through the heart of the park. Carriage Road Map.

Hiking. Hiking and walking is permitted along the 45 miles of carriage roads that wind through the Park. Also, there approximately 115 miles of hiking trails that offer spectacular ocean and woodland views. Trails range from easy to strenuous. Acadia National Park Hiking Trails

Tour by Car. Visitors can drive the 20-mile Park Loop Road and take the 3.5-mile spur road to Cadillac Mountain, both of which include views of some of the most dramatic scenery along the eastern seaboard. Most of the Park Loop Road is closed during the winter. Acadia National Park Car Touring Routes

Carriage Rides. During the spring, summer and fall, carriage rides are available along the paved carriage roads for a fee. Carriage Ride Tour Information/ Carriage Road Map

Guided Private Tours. The Park Service has permitted tour operators who will provide escorted bus tours through the park. Acadia National Park Tour Information

Park Rangers Led Activities:

Bird walks, boat cruises, evening slide programs, mountain hikes, stargazing, short talks, and nature walks, are available from late May to mid-October.

Boating. Boating is permitted on several lakes and ponds. Certain restrictions apply. Acadia National Park Boating Locations

Climbing and Scaling. Acadia National Park offers a variety of opportunities for good climbing on small to medium sized granite cliffs. Otter Cliffs and Great Head offer a truly remarkable sea cliff climbing opportunity that is rare and hard to find anywhere else in the United States. Acadia National Park Rock Climbing and Cliff Scaling

Acadia National Park Cross-Country Skiing: Forty-five miles of carriage roads and 41 miles of unplowed park roads are suggested for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Skiing on hiking trails is not recommended because of the uneven and steep nature of trails, ice falls blocking the path, and trail routes obscured by snow. Ski equipment and rentals are available in some of the local communities. Ski tracks are sometimes laid down by volunteers on sections of the carriage roads when snowfall exceeds four inches.

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FRESHWATER FISHING IN ACADIA:

The freshwater fishing season in Maine is generally April through September. Check the State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations for exact dates.

During July and August, trout and salmon are found deep in the cooler waters of lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island. Special fishing gear, such as lead core line or a down-rigger, will greatly increase chances of hooking a salmon or trout in the summer. In the cooler seasons, trout and salmon can be caught readily using common methods. Warm-water species can be caught throughout the season using common methods. A list of lakes and ponds in or bordering the park that are open to fishing is located below.

Acadia National Park Fishing. Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abound in Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. Lakes and ponds can have several species of freshwater game fish, including trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and other species. Ocean species include mackerel, bluefish, and striped bass.

Freshwater fishing requires a State of Maine fishing license, as determined by state law (see freshwater fishing information below). A license is not required to fish in the ocean.

Regulations
Portions of lake and pond shorelines may be privately owned. Please respect private property.

Several ponds and lakes on the island are public drinking water supplies where swimming, wading, and pets are prohibited. Please follow posted regulations.

Eating freshwater fish containing mercury can be harmful if consumed in quantities. For safe-eating guidelines, consult the State of Maine Open Water Fishing Regulations.

Boaters: Please protect your lakes - stop the spread of invasive aquatic plants. Remove plant fragments from your boat. Dispose of plants on high, dry land away from lakes and ponds.

Fishing Licenses
State of Maine fishing licenses are required for Maine residents 16 years or older and non-residents 12 years or older. Fees vary based on resident/non-resident status, age, and length of license.

In addition to the town offices listed here, State of Maine freshwater fishing licenses may be purchased at some local businesses as well.

Northeast Harbor Municipal Building
207-276-5531

Southwest Harbor Municipal Building
207-244-5404

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Snowmobiling & Snow Mobile Trails in Acadia:

Visitors trailering their snowmobiles are encouraged to use the Hulls Cove Visitor Center Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Jordan Pond Area parking lots in order to access the Park Loop Road.

Snowmobile travel is allowed on the 27-mile Park Loop Road (except a 1-mile section at Jordan Pond House) Acadia National Park Snowmobile Trails, and most fire roads. Only two miles of carriage roads are open to snowmobilers as connector trails. The remaining 43 miles are closed to snowmobiles. Stay to the right; all park routes are two-way travel. Snowmobiles must display a valid state registration.

Maximum speed limit is 35 m.p.h.

Snowmobilers must use caution and yield the right of way to anyone not on a snowmobile.

Towing people on skis or sleds is prohibited.

It is illegal to operate a snowmobile while under the influence of liquor or drugs.

Turn on your white headlight and red tail light half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 500 feet.

Drivers under age 10 must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older on their snowmobiles. Drivers 10 to 14 years old must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older. Drivers under the age of 14 are prohibited from operating a snowmobile on any public road. An adult may supervise only one minor.

Call the park at 207-288-3338 for updates on snow conditions.

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